2021 Daily Devotion - Day 403

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As an avid hiker and backpacker, I have spent a lot of time on trails and in God’s beautiful nature. I was leading a group of 6 lady backpackers on an overnight adventure in the Sierra Mountains, just north of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. It was late June and beautiful. Our trail route was a loop around several lakes. On the second day, we climbed to our high point, near 10,000 feet, and reached snow line. At some point after reaching the snow line, I realized we were off trail. We had started to descend and no one was eager to retrace our steps back up. We examined our maps and topographic contour lines and decided to continue along a canyon.

Two hours later, and we were still not back on a trail. As we climbed to a hilltop for a line of sight view, I prayed to God for direction and guidance. He helped to keep my mind clear and to focus on a solution to our problem. We were lost. After the hilltop view and orientation, we proceeded on a course which led us to a trail and back to the main road, where we could get access to our car. We did not have to spend another night in the wilderness.

I knew God was with us, leading and guiding us back to a safe trail. How comforting to keep reaching to Him to help keep peace and calm.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not into your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.

Pray with me:
Lord, thank You for always being there for us. When we are lost, we can go to You and trust in Your guidance and direction. You give us peace, assurance and focus when we turn to You. We do not have to fear the unknown because You are with us, our loving Father. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Taylor
Hiking Ministry and Bible Study Ministry Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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